(BALTIMORE, MD, 6/17/2021) — The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today condemned Nazi swastikas discovered in the Fells Point neighborhood of Baltimore City earlier this week and praised community members who stepped up to immediately replace the hate symbols with inclusive messaging.
The neo-Nazi graffiti was discovered along Fleet Street, and Baltimore City Councilman Zeke Cohen, who is a descendant of Holocaust survivors, took to social media to bring attention to the response of local residents who responded by painting over it.
SEE: Fells Point Residents Respond Swiftly To Anti-Semitic Vandalism With Rainbow Hearts
“As the grandson of Holocaust victims and survivors, this evil symbol hits hard,” said Councilman Cohen in a statement to CAIR. “Generational trauma is a powerful force. It was incredibly heartening to see our community unite to confront this hatred. Neighbors quickly covered the swastikas with rainbow hearts. We cannot allow fear, prejudice, division, and hate to win out. Healing requires an honest confrontation with racism and a commitment to unity.”
“CAIR condemns this cowardly act designed to sow fear. Hate has no place in our city,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “We’re inspired by everyone who mobilized to remove or replace these deplorable symbols and thank Councilman Cohen for bringing attention to this moving demonstration of solidarity.”
CAIR’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
Become a Fan of CAIR on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/CAIRNational
Subscribe to CAIR’s Email List
https://action.cair.com/a/newsletters
Subscribe to CAIR’s Twitter Feed
http://twitter.com/cairnational
Subscribe to CAIR’s YouTube Channel
Follow CAIR on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/cair_national/
Donate to CAIR
https://action.cair.com/a/general
Do you like reading CAIR press releases and taking part in our action alerts? You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR.
To opt-out of future mailings, email: info@cair.com, CC ihooper@cair.com
END
CONTACT: CAIR Office in Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062